Anson Tebbetts: It’s the season of giving

This comment is from Anson Tebbetts, secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets.

This season we gather with our friends and family. Maybe you’re getting together at the office or workplace for a home-cooked meal, a banquet, or a special holiday celebration. Maybe you’re visiting your favorite restaurant. In Vermont, we are lucky to have exceptional food and drink in every corner of our state. This time of year we enjoy feasts featuring fresh local vegetables, meat, dairy, and specialty foods and beverages made right here in Vermont.

Your local farmer works long hours to produce a harvest we can all enjoy. You can find this season’s bounty at the farm, farmer’s market, CSA, retail store or co-op, or have it delivered to your home. Many of our manufacturers can deliver your favorite “taste of Vermont” right to your kitchen, and Vermonters can order online in an effective way to support Vermont farmers.

As we close out 2024, it’s time to think about our Christmas tree growers. They provide us with the experience of getting that “perfect” tree for our family. Lifelong memories can be found and created at pick-and-cut farms in our 14 counties. If you have a friend or family member who misses Vermont this time of year, some growers will box trees, wreaths, or wreaths and ship them to a home or office. Crafted from fresh Vermont trees, the décor is as beautiful to smell as it is to see.

The holidays are also a time to remember and give to those less fortunate. The year 2024 was a difficult time for many. This summer, floods and severe weather destroyed homes, businesses and crops. The flood has faded from the headlines, but the emotional and economic impact remains for countless Vermonters. You can support them by checking in on them, volunteering to help with chores, or bringing them a home-cooked meal or treat during the holidays. These acts of kindness often make a world of difference in the most difficult of times.

Thank you for everything you do to support your neighbors. We are grateful for the privilege of enjoying the best food in the world. And I thank the farmers, producers and everyone who makes their living from the land. Your work and the community we find together here in our brave little state of Vermont are second to none.